ACCC TAKES APPLE TO COURT

THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission heads to the Federal Court on Wednesday to argue that international technology giant Apple has been misleading in advertising of its new iPad.

The ACCC announced on Tuesday it would make an application to the Federal Court in Melbourne for orders against Apple Pty Limited and Apple Inc (Apple) for alleged contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

The ACCC alleges that Apple's recent promotion of the new "iPad with WiFi + 4G" is misleading because it states to Australian consumers that the product "iPad with WiFi + 4G" can, with a SIM card, connect to a 4G mobile data network in Australia.

This technology is currently not available within Australia.

The ACCC says it will seek interlocutory relief to ensure Australian consumers are made aware of the correct technical capabilities of the device.

“Consumers who have purchased or are considering purchasing an ‘iPad with WiFi + 4G’ should ensure that they have a proper understanding of the mobile data networks which this iPad can directly access by a SIM card," the ACCC said in a statement.